If you’re after authentic tapas in London, then look no further than Ibérica who have been serving up tasty traditional tapas in stylish restaurants across London since 2008.
When you have a Michelin starred chef in charge of the menu, then its no surprise that you’re in for a treat! Nacho Manzano who learned to cook with his grandma and mother in the small village of La Salgar, has refined classic small plates and turned them into something quite special. Yes you’ll see the usual dishes on the menu, but this is really a restaurant to go all out and experiment in, as each tapas brings with it a unique take on the classic.
We visited the flagship restaurant – Ibérica Marylebone on Great Portland Street which is a grand light and airy space designed by Spanish architect Lázaro Rosa Violán.
Impossibly high ceilings, a mezzanine balcony, stunning Andalusian style authentic tiles and atmospheric hanging lamps make this an incredible space while the restaurant also houses a charcuterie, deli, shop and art display!
If you’re new to Spanish cuisine, or fancy a bit of an experimental experience, the team at Ibérica Marylebone are more than happy to come up with a selection of dishes for you.
We started with a range of mouthwatering cheeses from the deli including a special from Salamanca, and a punchy manchego. We feasted on saliva inducing quality cuts of cecina (air cured beef) and vibrant tomato bread with garlic, washed down with a delightful bottle of Raventos De Nit Brut Rosé Cava.
From the main tapas menu, we couldn’t wait to try the Ibérica take on some of the classic tapas dishes, and they didn’t disappoint. The aubergine steak had more flavour than any meat dish – its rich glaze a combo of wild mushroom (ceps), walnuts and veg served with lemon rocket, while the serrano ham croquetas with their rich creamy centres melted in the mouth – apparently an age old recipe handmade by Nacho’s grandmother.
This summer, the restaurant are showcasing Spain’s largest region Castilla y León and we were keen to try some of their signature dishes. Rich in flavour, these dishes definitely have that authentic flavour with local ingredients and we devoured the Morcilla de Burgos which looked like stacked canapes – a patty of rice blood sausage formed the base, topped with baby squid, caramelised confit Bierzo peppers roasted to perfection and a hint of lemon zest. Milk fed lamb sweetbreads had that unmistakably offaly, musty, nutty flavour, served in a pool of zamorano sheep’s milk cheese cream with confit leek and garlic oil. If you’re feeling experimental, then this is definitely one to try!
Our extravagant lunch ended with the most amazing churros – no hint of fat or oil, just delicious, perfectly crisp bites of delightful dough, dipped in rich luxurious melted chocolate. The accompanying 30 year old NOE signature sherry with its rich syrupy texture and nectar sweet taste was a quaffable added bonus.
Having eaten tapas in many restaurants in Spain, it’s obvious that Ibérica are doing things their way. With a unique combination of ingredients, surprising flavours and experimental offerings, this is tapas like you’ve never tasted it before. Visit Ibérica in Marylebone at their flagship restaurant, Canary Wharf, Victoria, Farringdon and Leeds, or bring the taste of Ibérica to wherever you are with their Cook At Home Meal Kits.
